Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

The strategy was only announced last week and we are now in the implementation phase. The pilot projects are such that in the context of community release additional conditions can be attached. For example, they may involve an individual having to attend meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous or some other group dealing with drug issues.

As the strategy details, we hope to expand and improve the overall educational facilities within our prison service. That is now part of the work that is being put in place with regard to implementing the strategy over the three-year period.

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